AI Adoption in Trucking Justified by Real Gains, Trimble Panel Says

Industry analysts at Trimble's Insight conference on Sept. 28, 2026, said artificial intelligence is delivering tangible returns in freight logistics, unlike past technology hypes such as blockchain and autonomous vehicles that failed to materialize. Bloomberg logistics analyst Lee Klaskow said C.H. Robinson's (NASDAQ: CHRW) rising revenue and profitability despite significant headcount cuts demonstrate AI's real impact. FreightWaves CEO Craig Fuller noted brokers adopt technology faster than asset-based carriers due to shorter decision cycles. Panelists cautioned that implementation matters. Fuller cited a company where AI deployment hurt driver morale without productivity gains. Polyglass executive Alex Formoso said brokers using data to tailor backhaul offers win his attention over generic pitches. Fuller added the current freight market is the most eventful since deregulation, driven by heightened regulatory oversight reshaping industry dynamics.